Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automatic system and method for detecting problematic geological formations ahead of tunnel faces. The automatic system includes a data acquisition module configured to acquire data, a data transmission module configured to transmit the data and a control and data analysis module configured to receive and analyze the data and determine the geological formations ahead of the tunnel faces. The data acquisition module includes at least one three-component detector and a processor. The three-component detector is installed in a borehole in a side wall of the tunnel. The data transmission module includes a synchronous communicator and a signal line with shielding properties. The synchronous communicator is connected with the three-component detector via the signal line. The control and data analysis module includes a host and a control and analysis procedure of the host. The host is connected with the synchronous communicator.